How to Get Started with Workplace Digital Signage

Screens are everywhere, and increasingly businesses are using TV screens and displays to convey messaging and communications. This type of screen is called digital signage, which is a catch-all term for screens used for anything from streaming advertising in a retail shop, through to showing dashboards in an office.

In fact, digital signage has become a popular communications channel within the modern workplace. So why use digital signage, and how can you get started with it?

Why is digital signage used?

Screen based displays are an effective way of getting peoples attention. Notice how your eye always drifts towards the TV in a crowded bar, or that you might spot an ad in a shop window because its displaying some enticing imagery in a dynamic manner.

In fact the dynamic nature of digital signage is one of the main reasons that it’s becoming so popular. It’s easier than ever to stream multiple messages, highlight content and even create a mix of screen content to both inform and amuse your audience.

Think of digital screens in airports or railway stations. These often have one screen with the arrivals and departures, and another set of screens streaming ads or showing safety information. Digital signage gives you a clearly visible channel that can be easily updated and catches your audiences attention…

Where can you use digital signage?

Digital signage is often used wherever you want to display up to date information, or to catch peoples attention. Typically, digital signage is used for:

• Retail shop window displays
• In-store displays
• Advertising billboards and digital posters
• Restaurant menu boards
• Hotels and hospitality displays
• Internal communications screens in offices and factories
• Campus and school signage

This list doesn’t even cover the applications for production line dashboards, or even the opportunities for home use.

In short, if you can think of content you want to stream to multiple screens or via a remote connection, then digital signage is probably what you need.

How easy is it to setup digital signage?

Most digital signage software connects to your TV screens pretty easily. Usually you’ll need a TV screen (even a consumer grade one such as this can do), a media player (for example a Google Chromecast) and some digital signage software.

You simply mount your TV where you want it, connect your media player and then link your software and you’re ready to go.

Digital signage software allows you to remotely manage your content, for example setting up a loop of pre-made content with a news ticker and the time and date in a side section. You can usually add video content, stream live footage or connect a data source such as office communication software or productivity tools.

Many software products for digital signage come with ready-to-go app integrations for popular consumer and workplace software such as Salesforce, Microsoft Teams and Slack; or Facebook, YouTube and Google Maps. This means you can easily connect these apps to your account and choose what content to stream.

Are there any benefits to using digital signage?

There have been several studies which have found that digital signage can be a powerful tool to increase both employee engagement and retail sales. In the workplace, office digital signage can be used to display memos and announcements that might otherwise go ignored. This can be hugely beneficial in businesses with multiple locations, or who employ workers who might not always have access to a work device.

Studies also suggest that digital signage can boost sales of products, with 80% of businesses who switch to using digital signage reporting sales increases.

More tangibly, digital signage offers a remote way to share content. No need to print out posters, send emails or remind people to check their staff intranet or cluttered inboxes. Digital signage is visible and hard to ignore, making it an excellent channel for sharing all sorts of content.

Which are the best digital signage software companies?

There is a huge choice of digital signage providers to choose from, ranging from free, to freemium to high quality.

At the free end of the spectrum, tools like Ablesign are a good entry level tool for those who just want one or two screens with simple content. For example, a free menu board or a handful of simple screens for an art project or one off event.

For those looking for a more powerful solution, there are companies such as ScreenCloud, BrightSign, Optisigns and Look Digital Signage.

Prices range from as little as £5 per month per screen for the cheaper options, through to £20-30 per month per screen. Most software providers offer a free trial, and some offer a free tier for you to check them out. Generally speaking if they charge more, then they offer better security, better support and often a more robust software product – so don’t assume that cheap means best. Especially if you’re setting up digital signage for a bigger organization with more complex needs.

Make sure to compare specs and features such as security provisions and certifications, cloud storage allowances and feedback and reviews.